Oct. 28, 2007
Box Score
WASHINGTON -
Despite outshooting the Army Black Knights 20-10, American University women's soccer battled to a scoreless draw in double overtime on Sunday afternoon at Reeves Field. The Eagles currently sit at the top of the Patriot League standings with a conference record of 4-0-2 and remain unbeaten in league action.
American University dominated the 110 minutes of action, creating dangerous opportunities throughout the game. In the first half alone, American had several chances to get on the scoreboard, holding the 9-2 advantage in shots. In the 26th minute, it looked as if AU would take the first lead of the game. Off a corner kick, American University hit the post twice, before goalkeeper Alex Lostetter made the save and gained control for the Black Knights.
Still carrying the momentum, AU's offense continued to pressure Army's backline, but another lucky break for the Black Knights kept the score locked at zero. With her back to goal, forward Kelsey Brasher played simple and dropped the ball back to Erin Stebbins, who was just over 20 yards out. Stebbins ripped a shot and caught Lostetter off her line, but the shot deflected off the freshman goalkeepers' fingertips, off the crossbar and out of bounds.
The Eagles started the final frame looking to get on the board early. Off an Army corner kick in the opening minutes, defender Kelly McLaughlin started an AU counterattack, finding Krystn Hodge on a checking run. Hodge used a one-time flick to start a give-and-go with Kelsey Brasher, but after receiving the final pass Hodge's shot went just wide.
Army's best scoring chance of the afternoon came just minutes later. Pia White split two Eagle defenders before finding herself one-on-one against AU goalkeeper Kelsey Wiggins. Not giving White any time to set up, Wiggins came off her line and made a diving stop, earning her third shutout of the season and sending the game into overtime.
In the 20 minutes of extra action, it was still American in control, leading 4-2 in shots. AU's final chance of the day came with just under seven minutes remaining. With Hodge attacking the goal, Siobhan Gillan made a run to create space and take her defender out of the play. Brasher then made a checking run and received the ball in the open area, but her shot missed just high.
Since joining the Patriot League in 2001, this is the first time American University will enter its last game of the regular-season undefeated. AU hosts Bucknell on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 12 p.m. in its 2007 regular-season finale.
